Dave Carmody - LTA 2019

 

From Marilyn Holt:

 

Dave Carmody came to East Richland High School in the 1980–1981 school year as the Driver’s Education teacher.  Dave had grown up in Granite City, Illinois and was a standout defensive back for Granite City who went on to play college football at Illinois State University in Normal.   You can imagine how delighted East Richland High School was to have Dave as a teacher and coach!   

Dave moved to Benton High School in 1984 as a result of the East Richland Education Association strike and then Reduction in Force of faculty.    How fortunate though for all of us that Dave returned to the district in 1989 and taught until his retirement in 2013!

Dave taught in the Physical Education Department.   He could teach physical education, driver’s education, health, and psychology.   For many years he was in charge of the Drivers Education Program!   He was one of several Drivers Education teachers who did the more demanding behind the wheel instruction.    Talk about courage!   Dave would take the inexperienced fifteen year old student and teach them how to drive.   Obviously, that made him popular among students and truly appreciated by parents!  More than one parent has told the story of how Dave would take their son or daughter driving for the first time and when they returned to the High School, Dave would get out of the car and kiss the ground!   Dave had the relationship piece!   Kids loved Mr. Carmody!  

Dave also taught Health and Psychology, which were both dual credit courses offered by the high school.    Parents again loved Dave because their student could take the course, get high school credit and college credit at no cost!   What a deal!  

The administration, faculty, and staff loved Dave Carmody!   He had the Unit office staff in the palm of his hand.   He would come check on a student or pick up a package or his mail and visit.   For many years after Monte Forsyth retired, Dave would have lunch with Monty and his wife Sara and then just Monty.   Dave was a friend like no other!  At an event this summer Monte’s daughter Beth talked about how kind, caring and what a wonderful friend Dave Carmody was to her parents.  

While Dave loved teaching, he especially enjoyed coaching which gave him the opportunity to teach and help athletes.   He coached football, golf, and track during his time at East Richland with great success!   Dave’s knowledge of the sport combined with his wonderful caring manner, provided athletes excellent training in the sport as well as outstanding character development. 

It is interesting to note that the Olney Tigers played in the Snake Pit at Mt. Carmel in 1982.   Olney shut out the state ranked Golden Aces 30-0 to capture the North Egypt Conference crown.   Mike Wilson was at the helm and you can bet that Dave Carmody was right there!    That game is still remembered by Olney Tiger Football for indeed it was a time of rejoicing!

Dave Carmody was an avid golfer and fisherman.   He knew the Current River better than most anyone!   He floated that river every summer with his family and friends for almost fifty years!  Family and friend celebrated his life with a float trip in August of 2017.   We all know that Dave was there in spirit!

Susie Bishop tells the story of working with Talene at the middle school when Talene was dating Dave.   Dave came over one day after school to talk to Susie.   He wanted her to know that he wanted to ask Talene to marry him but wondered what Talene’s response would be.   Susie still remembers telling Dave that Talene would say yes because she was crazy about him just like he was crazy about her.   They did marry, they had two wonderful boys and they did divorce but from the outside looking in – Dave and Talene remained best of friends and supported each other in parenting, sickness, health and life.  

Dave Carmody loved teaching and he loved athletics but most of all he loved his two sons, Luke and Colton.   Luke is currently teaching physical education and coaching in the Flora School District. Luke is married to Autumn and they live here in Olney.    He is having a very successful football season and we all know that his dad is smiling and enjoying all of it.   

Colton received his Master’s Degree this last May from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Weed Science Research and now works in Richland, Iowa.   Both of these young men have that caring attitude of their father.   They are truly his great legacy!  

In January of 2017 Luke wrote about the difficulty of saying goodbye to his best friend ever, his dad.   Dave never missed a game, a school event, or anything that Colton and Luke were involved with.   Luke continued “I don’t know anyone who ever had a bad thing to say about my father.   He would have given his shirt off his back to a stranger on the street if they needed it.   He always put other people before himself.  “    Truly Dave put his boys first in his life!

Tommy Leslie was the wrestling coach here at Richland County and he commented, “Dave was a great man who loved and supported his boys with all of his heart.   He was a rare breed and we were all blessed to know him.”   We agree!  Indeed knowing Dave Carmody was a joy!

We are pleased today to celebrate the life of Dave Carmody.   The Tiger Alumni Center is proud to honor Dave Carmody, posthumously.   Indeed he are blessed that he came to Olney and shared his life with all of us!  

 

 

Obituary

Dave Carmody, age 62, of Olney, IL, formerly of Granite City, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Deaconess Main Hospital, Evansville, IN. David was born on November 11, 1954 in Granite City, IL, a son of the late John W. Carmody and Helen Mary (Wickman) Carmody.

Dave was a driver's education teacher for 34 years, mainly at East Richland High School. His passion in life included his two boys but also included teaching and sports. Many of his years in education he coached football, golf and track. During high school he was a standout defensive back for Granite City and then went on to play college football at Illinois State. Dave was also an avid golfer and fisherman. No one knew the Current River better than Dave. He floated that river every summer with his family and friends for almost 50 years. He was a beloved father, brother, and friend. Everyone who knew Dave said "he is one of the best guys you'll ever know".

Dave is survived by his loving sons, Luke Carmody of Flora, IL and Colton Carmody of Olney, IL; dear siblings, Jim Carmody of Belleville, IL, Kathy Carmody of O'Fallon, MO and Tom (Cathy) Carmody of Granite City, IL; several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2017 at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL.

In celebration of his life, a funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2606 Washington Avenue, Granite City, IL with Father Jeff Holtman officiating.